New to MyHealth?
Manage Your Care From Anywhere.
Access your health information from any device with MyHealth. ÌýYou can message your clinic, view lab results, schedule an appointment, and pay your bill.
ALREADY HAVE AN ACCESS CODE?
DON'T HAVE AN ACCESS CODE?
NEED MORE DETAILS?
MyHealth for Mobile
WELCOME BACK
What to Expect with Mohs Micrographic Surgery
What to Expect with Mohs Micrographic Surgery
Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) is an advanced surgical method used to remove skin cancers.Ìý MMS is a very effective technique because it is based upon using a microscope to trace skin cancer cells so that the cancer can be completely removed while simultaneously preserving healthy tissue.Ìý It is usually performed on an outpatient basis, in one day, under local anesthesia.Ìý MMS is an excellent option to achieve a cure with a minimal scar.Ìý Here is what you can expect:
Step 1: The extent of a skin cancer is often more than what can be seen on the skin's surface.Ìý If all of the skin cancer cells are not removed, the cancer may grow back.
Step 2: After the cancer is examined and marked, anesthesia (local numbing medication) is injected to numb the surgical site.Ìý The visible part of the cancer is then removed by the surgeon.
Step 3: A layer of the skin and tissue beneath the surface cancer are removed.Ìý This tissue is marked and processed in real time in the Mohs laboratory.
Step 4: While you wait, the removed skin and tissue layer will be processed into slides and examined under a microscope by your Mohs surgeon to see if there are any remaining cancer cells.
Step 5: If cancer cells are found, the Mohs surgeon marks their location and removed this additional tissue for test, repeating steps 2-4 as needed.
Step 6: The cycle repeats until no cancer cells are found.Ìý Depending on how much skin and tissue are removed and the size of your wound, your doctor will discuss various reconstruction options and perform the repair that will provide you with the best appearance and function for that area.
INTERESTED IN AN ONLINE SECOND OPINION?
The Stanford Medicine Online Second Opinion program offers you easy access to our world-class doctors. It’s all done remotely, and you don’t have to visit our hospital or one of our clinics for this service. You don’t even need to leave home!
Visit our online second opinion page to learn more.